Lymph nodes are organs of the immune system that are responsible for protecting our body from attacks by infectious agents. It is here that the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms occurs. When they enter the body, they enter the lymph nodes along with the lymph flow. It is worth noting that these organs also fight cancer cells. There are about 600 lymph nodes in the human body.
However, such organs also suffer from various ailments. It is not always possible to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, a lymph node biopsy is often performed. Often this is simply necessary. Such a study is prescribed to clarify the etiology of the disease or lymphostasis and lymphodema.
What is this?
What kind of research is this? A biopsy of a lymph node in the neck, in the armpit or groin area is a fairly common procedure that is prescribed for certain indications. In fact, this is a small surgical intervention. In the process of carrying out such a procedure, the doctor removes part or all of the organ.
Biopsy is a laboratory test to detect fibrotic changes in the mediastinum, as well as in the cervical and inguinal lymph nodes.
Whichcases assigned?
A biopsy of a lymph node allows timely detection of disorders occurring in the body. Therefore, similar studies are being carried out for many indications:
- the procedure is prescribed to determine the etiology and malignancy of lymphadenopathy, if it is not possible to determine this by non-invasive diagnostic methods;
- a lymph node biopsy is performed for lymphadenopathy that occurs for a long time, even when the patient receives adequate therapy;
- if the patient has signs of a tumor etiology of lymphadenopathy, for example, proliferative or metastatic lesions of the structures of the lymph nodes;
- when during the initial examination, strongly enlarged, dense, but painless lymph nodes are detected, accompanied by signs of general intoxication of the body.
No biopsy in other clinical cases.
Who should not be biopsied?
A biopsy of a lymph node in the armpit, in the groin area or on the neck has a number of contraindications, including:
- cervical kyphosis of the spine, which does not allow a biopsy of the lymph node located on the neck;
- if suppuration is present in the lymph node itself or in the tissues surrounding it;
- with hypocoagulation syndrome, which is a bleeding disorder.
Lymph node biopsy requires professional intervention. After all, these organs are elements of the protection of the human body. Their damage in the presence of certain disorders can only aggravate the patient's condition. Therefore, choose a clinicfor taking an analysis and a specialist should be given special attention.
Main methods
So, how is a lymph node biopsy done? This procedure can be performed in several ways. The main methods should include:
- open, or excisional;
- puncture;
- aspiration.
Each method has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The choice of sampling method should be discussed with the doctor in advance.
Aspiration biopsy
This biopsy method is performed using a fine needle. The instrument is carefully inserted into the subcutaneous lymph node structure located under the jaw or above the collarbone, and the material is removed for further research. The procedure is performed exclusively on an outpatient basis. It is worth noting that during the biopsy, the patient practically does not experience pain. Therefore, the aspiration method is used very often in modern medicine.
The tool with which the material is extracted is made in the form of a thin hollow needle. If the lymph node is not palpable, then an ultrasound device can determine its location. This technique is often used for infectious or metastatic processes in tissues.
Puncture biopsy
How is a lymph node biopsy performed in this case? The puncture method involves obtaining a column of biological material for various histological studies.
It is worth noting thatsuch a procedure is carried out in almost the same way as aspiration. The difference lies in the tools. Puncture biopsy uses a needle equipped with a madren, which provides excision and retention of biological material.
However, this method is not recommended for use in cancer pathologies, as this can lead to the spread of affected cells. In addition, needle and aspiration biopsies often show incorrect results.
Excision method
Open biopsy of a lymph node involves obtaining material for further research through surgical intervention. The procedure takes at least an hour. During the intervention, the doctor makes a small incision through which the lymph node and a small piece of connective tissue are excised with a scalpel.
In this case, the patient is placed on the operating table, and then general anesthesia is administered. The place where the incision will be made is treated with a disinfectant. After that, the doctor proceeds to remove the lymph node. Finally, the incision is carefully sewn up, and a bandage is applied over it.
This biopsy method is used more often than other methods. This is due to the greatest information content, as well as the reliability of the results obtained. In some cases, an open biopsy is performed intraoperatively. This allows for rapid diagnostics. If the tissues turn out to be cancerous, then the doctor performs an extended surgical intervention.
Watchmenlymph nodes
Sentinel node biopsy is performed to determine the prevalence of malignant processes, as well as to remove several lymph nodes, not the entire group.
Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to save part of the organs of the structure. Sentinel lymph nodes are those that are first affected by malignant cells. The propensity of tumors to metastasize to these organs is a major problem in the treatment of oncology. Today, sentinel lymph node biopsy has almost become a standard procedure in the presence of a tumor.
What should I do before a biopsy?
Before taking such an analysis, you must visit a doctor and clearly describe your condition. In this case, you should talk about all the pathologies and he alth problems, allergic reactions. Also worth mentioning are bleeding disorders and pregnancy if the woman is pregnant.
If the patient was prescribed therapy with medication, then before starting the operation, you should tell the specialist about it. A week before the scheduled procedure, you must stop taking medications that cause blood irritation. These drugs include Heparin, Cardiomagnyl, Aspirin, Warfarin, Aspercard.
If general anesthesia is used during the biopsy, stop eating and drinking 10-12 hours in advance.
After treatment
A lymph node biopsy does not cause pain, as it is performed either under general anesthesia or withusing local anesthetics. The duration of the operation is from 30 to 50 minutes.
After the procedure, the patient will have to refuse to take a shower or bath, visit the bath and sauna for several days, since it is not recommended to wet the place where the puncture was made. You should also avoid excessive physical activity. The result of the research will be ready within 7-10 days.
What are the complications?
After a lymph node biopsy, complications develop in some cases. First of all, do not forget that the procedure is, in fact, a surgical intervention. Although the operation is considered minimally invasive, in any case, penetration into the body occurs. It is for this reason that when carrying out such a surgical intervention, the risk of complications increases. Among such phenomena is often found:
- infectious complications;
- dizziness or fainting;
- damage to lymphatic and nerve tissues;
- numbness of the part of the body where the examined lymph node was located;
- bleeding that resolves on its own after a few hours in the absence of serious damage.
After a biopsy, doctors warn patients that if any complication occurs, they should immediately seek help from specialists. It is also worth visiting the clinic if there is swelling in the area of the lymph node to be examined, with fever, fever. If the pain does not disappear even7 days after surgery, you should consult a doctor. The reason for visiting a specialist may be the occurrence of cereal or purulent discharge from the wound through which the puncture was performed.
Cost of procedure
The cost of a lymph node biopsy depends on many factors. The price of the procedure can range from 1.5 thousand rubles to 6.7 thousand rubles. This is in public institutions. As for private clinics, the cost of a biopsy of a lymph node can be at least 14 thousand rubles.
This procedure is considered practically safe and the easiest method for diagnosing many diseases and disorders in the human body. However, a lymph node biopsy requires the patient's consent to such surgery. Also, with extreme caution, you should choose a clinic and a doctor who will perform the procedure. This will help avoid unwanted consequences and complications.
Special attention should be paid to the reviews of the clinic where the biopsy of the lymph node is performed. It is better to choose those institutions that are characterized by former patients only in a positive way.
